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46Inspiration, aspiration, ambitionC.F. Jeff WuSchool of Industrial and Systems EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA46.1 Searching the source of motivationOne can describe the motivation or drive for accomplishments or scholarshipat three levels: inspiration, aspiration, and ambition. They represent different(but not necessarily exclusive) mindsets or modi operandi. Let me start withthe Merriam–Webster Dictionary definitions of the three words.(a) Inspiration is “the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.”In its religious origin, inspiration can be described as “a divine influence oraction... to qualify him/her to receive and communicate sacred revelation.”It works at the spiritual level even in describing work or career.(b) Aspiration is “a strong desire to achieve something high or great.” It hasa more concrete aim than inspiration but still retains an idealistic element.(c) Ambition is “the desire to achieve a particular end” or “an ardent desirefor rank, fame, or power.” It has a utilitarian connotation and is the mostpractical of the three. Ambition can be good when it drives us to excel,but it can also have a negative effect. Aspiration, being between the two,is more difficult to delineate.Before I go on, I would like to bring your attention to a convocation speech(Wu, 2008) entitled “Idealism or pragmatism” that I gave in 2008 at theUniversity of Waterloo. This speech is reproduced in the Appendix. Why orhow is this related to the main theme of this chapter? Idealism and pragmatismare two ideologies we often use to describe how we approach life or work.They represent different mindsets but are not mutually exclusive. Inspirationis clearly idealistic, ambition has a pragmatic purpose, and aspiration can befound in both. The speech can be taken as a companion piece to this chapter.565